Sarakiniko, Milos, Greece

 Sarakiniko, Milos, Greece 

Milos had been on my bucket list for years since seeing pictures depicting its moonscape terrain and sparkling rich emerald waters. As a Greek descendant, this looked like a place I could call home sweet home, or at the very least my next vacation destination. The gravitational pull to go there was strong, but the lockdown made my wish go on hold. 

Finally, this summer the timing was right. After reuniting with family in Athens, off to the port I went with my two teenage daughters and 10 year old niece. Fresh off the boat there we stood, eyes wide open, at the famous Sarakiniko beach. Nothing could prepare us for the jaw-dropping experience of feeling like we were walking on the moon. Visitors were sprinkled around the white flowing landscape, sunbathing and photographing, equally in a state of overwhelming wonder. Liquid jade inlets allowed us to get into swim and cool off. It felt like a Greek baptism, without the baby crying. Instead, the air is sprinkled periodically by the sound of cliff jumpers splashing into water. Of course I brought along a few of my favorite sound healing instruments and gave myself an unforgettable sound bath, in the same famous thermal healing waters that my great aunt from Sparta would travel to yearly, for the healing of her arthritis.

Sarakiniko is like it’s own supernatural element; fluid, dense, porous, powdery. Volcanic activity on Milos started 2-3 million years ago. It's the volcanic ash that gives the ethereal white color that makes for one of the most beautiful non-sand beaches on Earth. The silky smooth rock formations made for the most inspiring sunrise meditation spots. A peak inside the mining caves takes you into another alluring site, where the dark cool air showcases square echoing patterns of light and shadow along the tunnel walls. Despite being one of the most photographed places in Greece, it is still untouched by the major signs of tourism. The experience is one I will cherish forever. Opa!